step up to the plate

 

There has not been a day on this race that I have gone with out food.  It may not have been what I wanted to eat, goat for example, but I was provided for and lavishly.  I never went without a place to lay my head.  I never went without people to love me and take care of me.  I never went without. 

 

And as I look back on my life, I never went without because of the provision of my dad. I may not have eaten what I wanted, fish sticks for example, but I was provided for for sure.  I never went without a place to lay my head.  My favorite was my yellow canopy bed because I felt like a princess.   My dad even went without to make sure that I was taken care of.  He sacrificed much to make sure that his daughters were taken care of. 

 

As I step into this new season of my life, I don’t know many of the details.  I wish I could lay out a brilliant plan of what the next 5 years of my life will look like.  But the truth is, I have no idea.  I have no idea what the next 5 months will look like!  But I know I will be provided for.  My dad paved the way for that long ago.  And I have seen the lavish provisions my Heavenly Father blessed me with this year every step of the way, not one detail left out but all things fitting together for the good of those who love him.

 

Two…

 God has taught me a lot about leadership this past year.  I stepped into leadership in month 3 and out at month 9.  I am not your typical leader.  On any personality test, choleric (lion) is the lowest.  But for some reason, my whole life has been shaped by leadership. I have been in sports and organizations, never really content with just participating.  And even if I was content, this year for example, I am invited for more responsibility.  In reflecting on that, my first invitation came from my dad.

 

I was on the softball field.  I can actually still picture the circle the team made close to the dugout at Redan Park.  My dad was one of the coaches and was directing us as to where our positions would be.  First base – Stacey.  Outfield – Erika.  Pitcher – Mandy.  Catcher …. who was going to be catcher?  I got a sinking feeling.  I didn’t want to be, so I looked down at my cleats hoping my own dad would realize my fear and disdain for the position.  No one stepped up to the plate, literally.  The pause hung over the team until my dad told me to suit up, I would be behind the plate.  

 

What?  All I remember was the anger and fear I felt.  I am sure I turned so that no one could see my tears, especially my dad.  But I suited up anyway.  With each piece of equipment, I felt like I was putting on armor for a battle I was sure to lose.  I knew what it would take to be a catcher, and I wasn’t prepared or cut out for the position.  This was fastpitch, so I would have to call the pitches, call the cut offs from the outfield, manage the people on base, etc.  The catcher is the one position that can see the field and therefore directs the flow of plays and reminds the field of outs, plays, etc.  The catcher encourages the pitcher and has to protect the umpire from wild pitches.  There is a lot of pressure on the catcher.  And I didn’t want to be a part of it. 

 

I don’t know why my dad volunteered me.  I don’t know if it was because we just needed someone and I was the coaches daughter and well, coaches are always harder on their kids!  I don’t know if it was because he saw something in me that I didn’t.  Whatever it was, I stepped up to the plate.  I don’t remember what it felt like the first time behind the plate or the first time catching a pitch but over time, and a short time, it felt like home and did for many years after that, even when he wasn’t my coach.

I never thanked my dad for calling me for more.  But I developed many leadership skills on the softball field because of that decision he made.  And my Heavenly Father always has His hand out to us, inviting us to more.  I’ve seen it this year.  Sometimes, it takes doing something that you don’t think that you are good at or facing something that you are afraid of.  But my dad coached me through my fears of catching and my inability.  How much more does our Heavenly Father.   He doesn’t ask us to join Him in His work without seeing us through it.  And it isn’t as hard or as fearful as we think.  My dad was there for every game.  My heavenly Father never leaves me or forsakes me.  

 Dad, there are more than 32 reasons that I am thankful for you but I didn’t want these to get lost in the list.  They are imporant to who I am today.  As I learn more about my Heavenly Father, I learn more about you!  Perhaps all of those questions you hate aren’t necessary after all!  I’m glad you are my dad!